"Born with Spina Bifida, a spinal deformity, Gayle Ottemiller required surgical intervention when she was five weeks old. At 12 years of age, she developed scoliosis which required surgical fusion of ten more vertebrae and a year of immobility in a full body cast.

Throughout years of physical and emotionally suffering, Ottemiller questioned the existence of a loving God and the purpose of her own life. Depression and anxiety disorders set in, yet she continued her search for meaning and purpose."